Kenai, AK
Kenai, AK
The Alaska Steelhead Company may be the most serious steelhead operation we know about. The team of hardcore guides put enormous pressure on each other and themselves to put anglers in front of multiple fish per day, in a host of diverse waters within a short drive or flight from the lodge. The fall colors on the cottonwoods, birch, volcanoes, and steelhead are not to be missed, nor is the lodge experience.
The Alaska Steelhead Company prefers to remain a little coy about their whereabouts—as any good steelheader will appreciate. It’s in Alaska. They fish a lot of streams, some known, some almost unheard of. They catch a lot of steelhead. They recently purchased and renovated a lodge with cabins on the edge of a bluff looking out over the ocean and towering Alaskan peaks. The chef, the hostess, the outfitter, and the guides are world class. You will encounter ocean-bright steelhead most days. Whether you convert those angling opportunities to photo opportunities is entirely up to you.
This operation is among the finest and most professional we’ve encountered. Whether you’re looking for your first native steelhead or your hundredth, you’ll find abundant opportunities here while enjoying the best lodging and dining experience Alaska has to offer.
While coho salmon and Dolly Varden char may be present, this is the Alaska Steelhead Company. The king of North American freshwater gamefishes reigns supreme here. Anglers will wade or float several streams accessible by vehicle, helicopter, or airplane from the lodge. You may see people some days but most you definitely won’t. If you’re the first one to catch a steelhead in a run, you get to name that piece of water. That expeditionary element builds the adventure and the bond with your guide. But when the weather conspires to ground the chopper and flood most streams, this crew has an ace up their sleeve. They call it “ironclad steelhead insurance,” a nearby lake-fed glacial river that never blows out. It swings as well as the Skagit or Clearwater, making for a lovely all-day float in any conditions. The other streams range in size from medium to very small, providing opportunities to swing or nymph or both, depending on your preference. The crew even takes a handful of steelhead on skated dry flies every year—surely a pinnacle experience on any angler’s lifetime achievement list.
Fishing Schedule
Itineraries vary based on the weather and your angling destination, but most days will begin early for a quick drive or flight to the spot after breakfast. You’ll fish hard until you’re ready for a midday lunch of Chef Felix’s gourmet soup and sandwich, then get back in the water for the afternoon bite. The guide or pilot will then whisk you back to the lodge in time for dinner service at 6. Wash, rinse, repeat.
Boats
While you’ll walk and wade many of the streams, accessed by vehicle or helicopter, the guides do run drift boats down one of the rivers and packrafts down another. Angler preference and guide availability will dictate floating options.
Loaner Gear
Each guide will bring rigged rods for your usage every day, although you are welcome to use your own. Loaner waders and other gear can be arranged for a rental fee.
While the fishing may be rugged at times, the accommodations are anything but. The luxurious log-cabin lodge faces out at a few of Alaska’s largest and most famous mountains, occasionally backlit at night by the aurora borealis. The lodge itself contains five single-occupancy rooms with private bathrooms. Four adjacent cabins each house two beds; full kitchen, bathroom, and laundry machines; and front deck to enjoy the view. Modern appointments and amenities will keep you comfortable and well-rested between big days on the water.
The lodge staff is second to none. The delightful hostess, Lacey, will know your favorite drink before you arrive and have it ready before you have your waders off. She can also talk and fish you under the table. Matt, outfitter and owner, runs a watertight operation, placing the right anglers together with the right guides for the proper experience. The only thing he wants to know when you arrive back at the lodge is whether you got your steelhead that day. He’ll probably pour you a whiskey either way.
Cuisine
Chef Felix Barron hails from the high-end New York restaurant scene and serves up stunning cuisine to match–frequently including fresh, local Alaskan ingredients. Hearty breakfast and strong coffee will have you ready for the water, followed by a custom sandwich and thermos of savory soup for lunch. The three-course dinner is deserving of any 5-star restaurant, including paired wines and high-grade, locally-sourced king crab, king salmon, halibut, beef, shrimp, oysters, and more. Chef Felix is always happy to accommodate any dietary restrictions or special requests you might have.
Connectivity
Complimentary Wi-fi is available throughout the lodge and cabins. Cellular service is good in many of the fishing locations.
Plush armchairs and couches surround a welcoming fireplace in the lodge’s great room. Any guest would be excused their desire to read and relax here all day, but there are countless angling and non-angling activities to be had within minutes or hours. Eagle and bear watching, beachcombing, clam digging, hiking, and scenic photography stand out, as do trips to the lovely and nearby coastal Alaskan towns for dining, shopping, whale watching, and general wandering. The operation keeps a helicopter and pilot on standby, which can be employed to access nearby national parks and shockingly scenic areas far from the beaten path.
Guests will fly into Anchorage-Ted Stevens International Airport then take a connecting flight closer to the action. Lodge staff pick you up at the airport to whisk you on to the lodge for drinks and appetizers. Guides transport you by vehicle or helicopter to the fishing grounds to either walk and wade or float in driftboats or packrafts.
Midcurrent Travel’s services are completely free, so you never pay more than if you booked directly with the lodge or outfitter. All rates are per person and listed in U.S. dollars.
6 nights / 5 full days fishing: $6,895 + 3% tax per person
Included:
Not Included:
Bookings are confirmed with a 50% deposit, made no later than seven days after booking a trip. Balance must be received no later than 90 days prior to the first day of the trip. Notification of cancellation must be received 90 days prior to the first day of the trip in order to receive partial or full credit for an alternate date. All payments are final and nonrefundable.
Booking a trip or making a deposit represents that the client accepts all terms and conditions. MidCurrent’s terms are in addition to any terms and conditions of each individual lodge that MidCurrent represents. Please read those terms carefully—lodge terms, which may differ from GFFI’s terms, supersede any agreements between MidCurrent and a client.
